In California, driver’s ed costs anywhere between $30 and $100, depending on the course format, location, and other factors. The fee covers the study materials and, in some cases, the cost of examination, certification, and additional services. Here’s what you should know about it.
The Cost of Learning to Drive: A Breakdown
The cost of driving school in California starts at $350 and can exceed $1,000. However, this figure includes both driver’s education (DE) and driver’s training (DT).
Driver’s ed covers theoretical instruction, whereas driver’s training focuses on practice behind the wheel. See the table below for a breakdown of each option:
| Driver’s Education (DE) | Driver’s Training (DT) | |
|---|---|---|
| What It Is | A 30-hour course covering traffic laws, road signs, safe driving techniques, and related topics. | 6+ hours of behind-the-wheel practice with a licensed driving instructor. |
| When It’s Required | Required for teenagers aged 15 ½ to 17 ½ to obtain a learner’s permit. | Required after completing driver’s ed (and obtaining a learner’s permit), before taking the behind-the-wheel test. |
| Completion Time | Several days to several weeks, depending on your learning pace and the course format (online or in person). | The course is divided into three two-hour sessions that can be completed within a week or longer. |
| Price Range | $30–$100* | $300–$600+ |
| *Students can sometimes take driver’s ed for free at their public high school, if it is offered. These are classroom-based courses. | ||
Driver’s Ed Costs: Online vs. In Person
Teenagers can complete online driver’s ed in California, or they can take the course in person, or by correspondence. The California DMV accepts all three options, so it’s up to you to decide on the course format.
Generally, online driver’s ed is more affordable than classroom instruction due to the lower overhead costs. Online courses follow the same curriculum as in-person programs, but they offer greater flexibility and convenience.
Let’s see how the two compare:
| Online vs. In-Person Driver’s Education | ||
|---|---|---|
| Online Driver’s Education | In-Person Driver’s Ed | |
| Price Range | $30–$70 | $50–$150+ |
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| *Some driving schools provide additional services that may or may not be included in the final price. | ||
Wondering how to choose the best driver’s ed course in California? Our first tip is to look beyond just price. While the cost is important, you also need to consider factors like content delivery, language options, and customer support. Take your personal needs into account, too.
For example, if you get easily distracted and struggle to stay focused, in-person classes may be a better option. But if you feel more comfortable learning from home or on the go, look for an online course that provides the flexibility you need.
Get your California driver’s license with our comprehensive driver’s education course!
How to Take (and Pass) Driver’s Ed in California
If you’re 15 ½ to 17 ½ years old, you can start driver’s education. Upon course completion, you’ll get an instruction permit that allows you to practice driving before taking the behind-the-wheel test.
Let’s go over these steps so you know exactly what to do.
- Choose a Course Provider: Use the DMV’s Occupational License Lookup tool to find an approved provider. If the school isn’t licensed by the California DMV, your certificate won’t be valid.
- Complete the Course: Whether you study online or in person, you must complete at least 30 hours of coursework. You must also take and pass several quizzes followed by a final exam. Our self-paced California driver’s ed course includes 15 lessons, 15 quizzes, and an open-book test with 25 questions. (100% of our students pass.)
- Obtain Your Certificate: The course provider will issue a certificate of completion as soon as you finish studying and pass the final exam. At Traffic Safety Institute, we’ll ship your certificate for free within one to two business days. You can also download an electronic copy for your records at no extra charge.
- Get a Learner’s Permit: Book an appointment with the DMV to apply for a learner’s permit. Bring your completion certificate, proof of identity, and other relevant documents. Here’s how to get a learner’s permit in California, including the required paperwork and tests.
- Complete Driver’s Training: Contact a DMV-approved driving school to book the mandatory six hours of behind-the-wheel practice. Note that driver’s training cannot exceed two hours per day.
- Complete 50 Hours of Practice: Once you’re done with driver’s training, complete an additional 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, including 10 hours at night. Since you’re not a licensed driver yet, you must be accompanied by a driving instructor or adult driver over 25 years old. Some driving schools offer discounts when you book 10, 15, or more lessons, so that’s an option worth considering.
- Pass Your Behind-the-Wheel Test: Follow the steps above and hold your learner’s permit for at least six months before scheduling a new appointment with the DMV. During your appointment, you’ll take a road test covering various scenarios you may encounter in traffic. Be sure to check out our guide on how to prepare for your behind-the-wheel test in California.
- Get a Provisional License: If you’re under 18 when you pass the road test, the DMV will issue a provisional license instead of a full driver’s license. This document grants you the right to drive unsupervised during certain hours.
- Become a Licensed Driver: Your provisional license will be upgraded to a regular driver’s license when you turn 18. The California DMV will mail your permanent license after you pay the $45 application fee.
Why Take Driver’s Ed with Traffic Safety Institute?
Our DMV-approved California driver’s ed course is quick, budget-friendly, and so easy that we guarantee you’ll pass. You can study online from anywhere, take breaks as needed, and learn at your own pace. (Learn more about How California Driver’s Ed Works.)
What sets us apart is our approach to online learning. Our students have access to an all-inclusive driver’s ed program for only $29.99, a flat fee that covers study materials plus:
✅ Audio read-along for increased convenience
✅ Save-and-resume feature so you can study at your own pace
✅ Unlimited course retakes
✅ Unlimited attempts to pass the final test
✅ Multiple-choice quizzes with instant feedback
✅ Mobile compatibility
✅ Instant electronic certificate
✅ DMV official certificate (shipped for free)
✅ 24/7 live chat support
Other driving schools charge extra for these features, and some don’t even disclose their fees until the course is over. For instance, it’s not uncommon to pay $10-$15 for an electronic certificate copy and $5-$10 for audio read-along.
At Traffic Safety Institute, you’ll make a one-time payment for instant access to the course and all its features. No hidden fees, no extra charges, and no last-minute surprises — just one upfront cost for everything you need to complete driver’s ed.
Read California driver’s ed course reviews from thousands of our students. They don’t lie!
Take the first step to becoming a safe and confident driver. Start driver’s ed today.
FAQs About the Costs of California Driver’s Ed
Looking for more information about the cost of driver’s education in California? Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions.
Is driver’s ed free in California?
Driver’s education is free only for students attending public high schools. Unfortunately, many institutions no longer offer these courses due to budget constraints.
How long is driver’s ed in California?
Per California law, driver’s ed must include at least 30 hours of study or two and a half semesters of classroom instruction.
Can you take driver’s ed as an adult?
Yes, Californians 18 and older can take driver’s ed, but it’s completely optional.
Can you get a permit without driver’s ed in California?
If you’re 17-and-a-half years old, you can get a learner’s permit without completing driver’s ed. However, you must still take and pass the DMV’s knowledge test, which consists of 46 questions based on the California Driver’s Handbook. Taking driver’s ed will help you learn that material.
